Spain remain in the EuroHockey Championship division in 2016

Photograph: EHF/Frank Uijlenbroek (c)

25/07/2014: Spain had an early lead as Eduardo GARRIGA dragged the first Spanish PC on the backboard. French goalie Corentin SAUNIER touched the ball with his stick but couldn’t avoid the 0-1. After that the game was balanced. Spain and France made quick transitions but both teams goalies didn’t had to make to many interventions. In the 22nd minute Spain was awared a second pc on a quick counter attack and again Eduaro Garriga fired it hard on the backboard. Spain led 2-0 at half time

Same game image at the beginning of the second half. In the 39th minute Enrique GONZALEZ de CASTEJON was taken down in the D and Spain was awarded a PS. Captain Ricardo SANTANA stepped up to the penalty spot to take the penalty stroke but his effort stranded on the post! 2 Minutes later Spain still got its 3rd goal of the game as Marc Bolto reacted quickly at the second post. After this Spain pulled back a little and France could put more pressure forward. 11 minutes before full time the French pressure payed off and Igor LOCKWOOD scored the 3-1. With only 10 minutes on the clock French upped the pace of their game a little more and they were awarded 2 PC but Charlet VICTOR’s drags didn’t get past Marc CALZADA. On minute 65 three Spain players came alone in front of French goalie Corentin SAUNIER and Pedro LOPEZ-ALONSO pushed the 4-1 in.

On the full time hoother Spain was awarded a final PC and Josep FARRES put the variation in the French goal. Spain won 5-1 and is certain to remain in the highest division of the the EuroHockey Championships until 2016.

The Pool C now looks like this, with Spain qualified for the FIH Junior World Cup, and will remain in the Championships in 2016. Poland can no longer hope to be in the Junior World Cup, but the final place will be decided tomorrow morning between Austria and France.